NATURE LOVER
a more conventional path to become an architect. His parents were supportive and encouraged him to follow his dream. It was a long, hard struggle that started with Cape Town Wildlife Film Academy and then moved behind a lens - working with Animal Planet in Kruger National Park and Discovery Channel in Mozambique. As a freelance cameraman, projects could mean weeks isolated in the bush, away from civilisation. This was a lonely existence for a young man. From here, Ruan ended up filming weddings and corporate events but knew his calling was the wild. An opportunity arose to visit Dubai with a company looking for a filmmaker who understood Falconry and could film sympathetic footage. Ruan took his first international flight at 20 to start a new adventure in Dubai.
Ruan’s big break came during his very first show for Dubai Tourism, where he met HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, who became a guiding light for Ruan. On returning to Dubai from a short holiday, he sought some advice: “I had ideas of doing something on my own. And I thought with him being local and a good friend, maybe he could give me some valuable advice. I was only 21, young with no business experience.” “HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry offered to back me by starting a business – we called it Wild Flight.” Now, ten years on, Wild Flight has 24 falconers (bird trainers) and +65 bird of prey with dedicated team members that work with the falcons and five team members in the office, “I have my General Manager that looks over the operations managers and soon to be expanding again”. Wild Flight has grown and developed tremendously over the past decade. The main focus remains on the core values of conserving and preserving traditional Falconry within the UAE. Wild Flight focuses on a host of projects, including wildlife management of invasive species such as bats, foxes and snakes with eco-friendly rehab and release projects, educational experiences and activities for young school kids who want to learn about Falconry through the school, Falcon Academy. “We try to educate people to help them understand that you can coexist with animals you are afraid of.” He explains, “We are part of the national plan to control Invasive and indigenous species” , and we concentrate on the eco-friendly solution.” Wild Flight works with landmarks like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as palaces and luxury hotels in the region, including Marriott Group, Ritz-Carlton, and JA Resort, where they have a Wild Flight permanent location. In addition, they have worked with most golf courses in Dubai and Emirates GC for eight years. “We have more than 40 active locations all over the Emirates and are expanding in Abu Dhabi, where we will be open for educational school tours.” Ruan reflects, ”I am fortunate to have many welcoming and kind local friends. We share a passion for Falconry and conservation. I regularly meet my good friend Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi to discuss various projects and environmental issues. He is a very thoughtful and intelligent deep thinker - a philosopher.” With a journey of shared purpose and passion, perseverance and preservation, Ruan’s story is a true testament to following your dreams and always taking a chance.
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